The Orlando Magic have canceled their home game against the New Orleans Pelicans, initially scheduled for Friday, October 11, due to the impending threat of Hurricane Milton. The NBA announced the decision as the storm continues to approach Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9, leading to widespread evacuations and safety concerns across the state. In response to the storm’s potential impact, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, and millions of residents were ordered to evacuate.
This cancellation follows an earlier schedule change where the NBA moved the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat game, previously set for October 10, to October 16. The shifting game schedules come as major sports events across Florida are being impacted by Hurricane Milton’s approach.
The Magic are not the only organization affected by the storm. Several other major sports leagues, including the NFL and NHL, have postponed or relocated games due to safety concerns in the state. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for instance, relocated to New Orleans ahead of their October 13 matchup against the Saints.
In addition to game cancellations, other disruptions include school closures, flight cancellations, and suspensions of public transportation services across Central and Southwest Florida. Orlando International Airport, along with other major airports, halted operations as part of the statewide preparation efforts for the hurricane.
Hurricane Milton has already left a significant impact on Florida, causing a tornado outbreak and extensive flooding in several areas. The storm’s unpredictable strength and trajectory have led to heightened safety measures, prompting numerous organizations, including the NBA, to prioritize public safety.
As of October 9, Florida officials confirmed that at least six people have died due to the storm’s effects. The hurricane’s landfall came just weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated Florida’s Big Bend region, compounding recovery efforts for many residents.